Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Tree Cheese Triangles are a fun and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. They are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a great conversation starter. With a combination of creamy cheeses, fresh herbs, and a touch of sweetness from cranberries, these bites will impress your family and friends. Plus, they’re easy to make, which leaves you more time to enjoy the festivities!
How to Make Christmas Tree Cheese Triangles
Ingredients:
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, chives)
- Dried cranberries
- Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)
- Pretzel sticks
- Puff pastry or tortilla wraps
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into triangle shapes.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, herbs, cranberries, nuts, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cheese mixture on one side of each triangle and fold over to form a tree shape.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Insert a pretzel stick into the bottom of each triangle to resemble a tree trunk.
- Serve warm as a festive appetizer.
How to Serve Christmas Tree Cheese Triangles
Serve these delightful cheese triangles warm from the oven. Place them on a festive platter and garnish with additional herbs for a pop of color. They pair well with a variety of dips, such as cranberry sauce or a simple ranch dressing, for added flavor.
How to Store Christmas Tree Cheese Triangles
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. This will help restore their crispy texture.
Tips to Make Christmas Tree Cheese Triangles
- For a more beautiful presentation, you can sprinkle some extra cheese or herbs on top before baking.
- Ensure you roll out the pastry thin enough for a crispy texture but not too thin that it tears easily.
- Experiment with different cheeses or herbs to tweak the flavor to your liking.
Variation
For a twist on this recipe, try adding cooked bacon bits or sautéed spinach to the cheese mixture. You can also use sweet potato or pumpkin puree instead of cheese for a vegan option.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like feta or mozzarella for different flavors.
2. Can I make these in advance?
You can prepare the cheese filling and assemble the triangles in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
3. Are there any nut-free options?
Absolutely! You can omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Christmas Tree Cheese Triangles
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Festive and delicious cheese-filled triangles perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, chives), chopped
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans)
- 8 pretzel sticks
- 1 sheet puff pastry or 4 tortilla wraps
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into triangle shapes.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, herbs, cranberries, nuts, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cheese mixture on one side of each triangle and fold over to form a tree shape.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Insert a pretzel stick into the bottom of each triangle to resemble a tree trunk.
- Serve warm as a festive appetizer.
Notes
For a crispy texture, ensure the pastry is rolled thin but not so thin that it tears.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American